When you shop for a refurbished phone you will see grades like Premium, Excellent, Good and Fair. They describe how the phone looks, not how it works. Every grade we sell is fully tested and fully working, with a 12-month warranty.
Every seller uses slightly different names, so here is exactly what our grades mean and how to choose.
The four grades at a glance
| Grade | Screen | Body | Battery health | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | No visible scratches | No visible wear | At least 90% | Gifts, or anyone who wants it to feel new |
| Excellent | Micro-scratches only, not visible in normal use | Very light wear | At least 80% | The best balance of looks and price |
| Good | Light scratches visible in some lighting | Visible scuffs or light scratches | At least 80% | Saving money if you use a case |
| Fair | Visible scratches or marks | Noticeable scratches, scuffs or minor dents | At least 80% | The lowest price |
Full details are on our grading standards page.
Premium: closest to new
Premium phones have little or no sign of previous use, and the battery has at least 90% of its original capacity. It is the grade to choose for a gift, or if you are the kind of person who notices every mark.
Excellent: the sweet spot
Excellent phones have very light marks you would only spot under close inspection. Once it is in a case, most people could not tell it apart from new, and it costs less than Premium.
Good: great value
Good grade phones show moderate wear, such as light scratches on the screen that you can see at certain angles, or scuffs on the frame. They work exactly the same as the higher grades. If you use a case and screen protector, this grade gives you the same phone for less.
Fair: lowest price
Fair grade phones have heavier cosmetic wear, such as clear scratches or small dents, but no structural damage and nothing that affects how they work. Choose Fair if price matters most.
What every grade includes
- 100+ functional checks on M360 diagnostic software: screen, touch, Face ID or Touch ID, cameras, speakers, microphones, buttons, charging, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile signal.
- A certified data wipe.
- Unlocked for all UK networks (phones).
- A 12-month warranty and free 30-day returns.
- Free next-day tracked UK delivery.
What about the battery?
Battery health is the percentage of the battery's original capacity that is left. A new phone starts at 100%. Every phone we sell has at least 80% (iPhones only start recommending a battery service once health drops below that), and Premium has at least 90%. On many models you can also choose a brand-new battery when you buy, whatever the cosmetic grade. Our battery health guide explains more.
How to choose
- Buying a gift? Premium.
- Want it to look great for less? Excellent.
- Always use a case? Good.
- Lowest price? Fair, ideally with a case and fitted screen protector.
- Heavy user? Any grade with a new battery.
Grades can differ between sellers
There is no single industry standard for refurbished grades, so "Grade A" from one seller is not always the same as another. Always check what a seller's grades mean, and whether they tell you the battery health. If they do not, ask before you buy. Our used iPhone checklist covers what else to look for.
Quick questions
Does the grade affect performance?
No. The grade is cosmetic only. Every grade passes the same functional tests.
Is Grade A the same as Excellent?
On our site, yes. You may see our grades shortened to P (Premium), A (Excellent), B (Good) and C (Fair).
Which grade is best value?
For most people, Excellent or Good. They work exactly like Premium and cost less.
Ready to choose? Shop refurbished iPhones, Samsung Galaxy or iPads, or read is a refurbished iPhone worth it?
